Readings- Chapter 7 'Strategy Planning and Scheduling’
Tymson and Lazar ‘A Typical Public Relations Program’
This week’s readings were all about public relations strategies and plans. Due to working for the same employee for the past 6 years I have attended countless meetings regarding our company’s plans for success. Generally I never gave these meetings much thought but after reading this weeks chapters I realised how important these plans are and how each step is taken in order for these plans to be successful.
When I attend these work meetings the fist thing that is addressed and drummed into employees’ heads is the mission and vision statements. Allert and Zawawi point out the first crucial parts of the framework for a strategic plan is the vision and mission statement. I can relate this too my work as without these two statements the company’s goal and direction is unclear and without these an effective strategic plan would not distorted.
The key points to remember from this week’s readings are the elements that are involved in a successful PR strategic plan and why a strategic plan is essential in reaching a company/individuals set goals. Tymson and Lazar set the simple step that should be taken:
- Set Objectives- WHY, WHO, WHAT?
- Plan and Budget- How much money/time is involved?
- Implement program- Produce, provide, distribute…
- Evaluate- Success?
Target audiences have to be taken into account; different types of research have to be conducted in order to establish the publics’ opinions. Research can include desk and field research etc and how these researches can be conducted.
The readings made me think about public relations in theory that these strategic plans seem fairly systematic and self explanatory on paper, but in practice a whole different ball game. It makes me wonder how I would go in developing a public relations strategic plan with all the planning involved, taking into account internal and external factors etc. All this information makes me apprehensive about actually apply PR in the real world but I can only hope it is all a learning process.
2 comments:
Michaela,
The first things i have to say is that i find it very impressive that you have worked for the same company for six ears. That is such a long time!!
Anyway, i have to say you covered some excellent points in this blog entry. I think the way you applied the ideas you discovered in this week's reading to aspects of your own life what extremely helpful to me as a fellow learner, as it gave me the opportunity to consider these ideas in a different context.
Also, i agree with you about how different public relations theory and practice really are, and how daunting the latter can be. I too found myself wondering, and even doubting, my abilities to perform this task that is vital to as public relations practitioner. But.... Fingers crossed!!!!
Michaela,
A theme for Introduction to Public Relations is to broaden your understanding of PR in an organisational and/or managerial context. It is extremely useful to reflect on what you have learnt at university and begin to apply it in a work context.
Also, if you have a spare moment, try and get a handle on the "balanced scorecard". We looked at it briefly in class and you can access it at www.12manage.com by searching for "balanced scorecard" on this website.
stev
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